I can't speak to learning English specifically, but anyone who's had to
learn another tounge they didn't grow up with knows it's hard. My normal
recommendation would be that reading and watching stuff that she already
knows in English (English subtitles is OK, but no translations) can help
develop vocab and ear and a feel for rhythm and usage.
Watching/reading stuff you otherwise wouldn't except for learning usage is
soul sucking, so it's no surprise she does way better with the
interactivity found in conversation.I would specifically recommend against
language groups -- when everyone is facing the same challenges, they
develop very slowly to a low ceiling, reinforce common weaknesses, and the
thought process underlying conversation and cultural context is often in
the wrong language even if they're externally speaking the right one.
Another problem with language groups is the basis of commonality is weak
which makes the process uninteresting.
Much better to hang out where others don't speak her language (Portuguese)
with people she'd be interested in no matter what they spoke. In practical
terms, this means she'll have a really tough time following and expressing
herself for quite awhile and it will be exhausting. But she'll get better
way faster, have more fun, and make real friends. I recommend against use
of translating apps, dictionaries, etc when in these environments except in
very rare cases. It breaks the flow and the connection with the other
person too much. Also, developing conversation skills requires not
translating. Feeling what's going on is much more important than
understanding specific words, and you don't need a large vocab to be able
to do this. Have been on both sides of this equation and swear by this.
kyle
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM charles meyer <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
>
> I’m trying to help a patron learn English conversationally as Portuguese is
> her native language.
>
> She’s tried CDs, DVDs and books but learns best conversationally.
>
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